1.     Payments
A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person for the group tour is due at the time of reservation. A $10 per person deposit for any evening entertainment tickets is due at the time of reservation. Group air requires a $100 per person deposit at the time of reservation as well.  Individual International air is paid in full and non-refundable at the time of reservation. Final payment is due 60days prior to tour departure. Any non-payments by this date will result in a cancellation of the tour and cancellation penalties apply.

Forms of payment for deposits: Deposits can be made by check or credit card. Deposits by credit card must be made through  PayPal on our "Reservations & Contact Info" page.
 
Forms of payment for final payment: We accept check or credit card for final payment. If you would like to pay your final payment by credit card, please fill out the credit card authorization form as final payments would be charged by the Bank of China. The Bank of China does not accept debit cards. 

All prices are listed as US Dollars and based on the exchange rate of CNY 6.5 = $1 USD. We will give the rate in Renminbi at the time of reservation. The price in Renminbi will never adjust (unless services are adjusted) but the exchange rate might. We will apply the current exchange rate at the time of final payment. When using your credit card, your bank may charge a different exchange rate then what we have listed. Some credit card companies have service fees for foreign transactions since final payments are charged by the bank of China.

All tour extensions are based on group rates with a minimum of 10 passengers on each tour.


2.     Cancellations
All cancellations must be in writing (email will suffice) and acknowledged by a Cruise and Tour Experts representative.
 
Cancellation Penalties:
Cancellations that occur the day following final payment up until 2 weeks prior to the tour departure will be charged $400 per person cancellation fee. Cancellations that occur within 2 weeks of the tour departure are non-refundable. There are no refunds for no-shows or if a passenger makes adjustments in the itinerary at any time or deletes any tour components once travel commences. There are no refunds for individuals who are unable to complete the tour for any reason.

Cruise and Tour Experts recommends travel insurance that will offer coverage for cancellations, trip interruption, baggage, delays and medical expenses. We offer coverage with Travel Guard. Information on coverage can be found on the “Travel Info” page.

3.     Itinerary Alterations
Cruise and Tour Experts, LLC has the right to adjust the itinerary if it becomes necessary. The ship and itinerary for any Yangtze River cruise is subject to alteration.  Hotels are subject to change and similar properties would be used.  If a passenger changes an itinerary while traveling that causes additional expenses charged by airlines, cruise lines or tour companies, the passenger will be responsible for payment. 

4.     Travel Documents
A valid passport and China visa are required for citizens of the United States. Passports must be valid for 6 months past the last day of your tour. Passport information and visa applications can be found under the  “Travel Info” page on this website.  Please refer to www.travel.state.gov for the latest information and travel requirements.

5.     Baggage
All baggage is at the sole responsibility of the passenger. Cruise and Tour Experts, LLC, the airlines and tour companies cannot be held responsible for lost, stolen or damaged baggage or its contents.

The luggage allowance for your International flight will be much different from the allowance on the flights within China.  For your International flight, please check with the airline for up to date information on baggage allowance.  For the flights within China, here is a guideline for baggage allowance:

Carry-on baggage: Must not exceed 5 kg (11 lbs.) and must not exceed maximum dimensions of 21” long x 15” wide x 7” high.
Free checked baggage allowance: Each passenger is allowed to check up to 20 kg (44 lbs.) for free. For any luggage exceeding the weight limit, a 1.5% surcharge will be charged on each additional kilogram.  The fee will be calculated based on adult fare, single trip, direct flight, economy class ticket.  If there is no published fare, an alternative calculation method will be used.

China requires all suitcases to have a locking device attached to each piece. This is a regulation that must be followed or airport staff can refuse to place the baggage on the aircraft.

6.     Insurance
Your tour includes China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance. There is a maximum benefit of $29,000 provided free of charge. This insurance does not cover your International flights or excursions and tours after the set program. We recommend additional coverage with Travel Guard. Information on coverage can be found on the “Travel Info” page.

7.     Medical and Physical Conditions
Any passenger with a medical or mental condition must notify Cruise and Tour Experts at the time of reservation if a medical professional may be needed while on tour.  You must advise Cruise and Tour Experts if you may be pregnant, require medical devices or have a physical need.  Handicap accessibility cannot be guaranteed while traveling or in hotels on this tour. Any medical issues must be discussed with your physician to ensure you are in good physical condition for this tour and travel to China.

8.     Liability
Cruise and Tour Experts, LLC is limited in responsibility.  Cruise and Tour Experts, LLC acts as an agent for suppliers of air, hotels, transportation and all other components of this tour and itineraries and cannot be held responsible for changes, loss of any kind, damage to a person or property or any type of inconvenience during the tour.

At Your Risk: When traveling around China, there will be times where there are unstable or unsafe conditions. It is important to take great care in where you step, what you eat and who you interact with.  You will receive advice and information from your guides to assist in making sure your tour is incident free however, any activities are undertaken at your own risk.

9.     International Air
You may choose to purchase individual or group International air from Cruise and Tour Experts. You will receive a base price with an indication as to the taxes at that time. Taxes and surcharges will fluctuate and cannot be guaranteed until the time of ticketing. Once ticketed, the taxes will not change. All passengers who purchase International air will pay the amount of tax and surcharges charged by the airline at the time of ticketing.